Need help with "related to"

[amd75]

Hi all, I know this should be easy but Im drawing a blank. Pt with Diverticulitis with bowel perforation. Going to write Risk for infection...cant think of a "related to". ugh....my brain is fried . Thanks for any help

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Hello amd75:

How about:

acute pain r/t inflammation of the bowel

risk for infection r/t perforation

deficient fluid volume r/t retention of fluid in bowel

[amd75]

Thanks so much!!!!:)

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

The R/T on the "Risk for" diagnoses are risk factors not related factors. The risk of infection in diverticulitis is if the bowel ruptures. So,

• Risk for Infection R/T ruptured bowel
  

If the bowel ruptured its contents would spill into the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity is sterile. The bowel, we know, is loaded with microbes (bacteria) which help to digest the food. Once the guts are spilled, the peritoneum is contaminated. What infection is likely to take place? Peritonitis. I wouldn't overlook sepsis either.

• your interventions for Risk for Infection R/T ruptured bowel are to prevent peritonitis and sepsis.
  
  • strategies to prevent the peritonitis and sepsis from happening in the first place
    
  • monitoring for the specific signs and symptoms of peritonitis and sepsis
    
  • reporting any symptoms of peritonitis or sepsis that do occur to the doctor or other concerned professional
    

This patient will have an ileus and develop abdominal distention, cramping and nausea. Make sure you diagnose and care plan for those symptoms as well.